Searches for “Pink Eye” — or conjunctivitis — have spiked across India as hospitals report rising cases linked to changing weather and air pollution. The infection, marked by redness and irritation of the eyes, has become one of the most-searched health topics this week.
Doctors in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata report a steady increase in patients, attributing it to fluctuating temperatures and poor air quality that irritate the eyes and spread infection quickly in schools and offices. Health experts warn that self-medication and delayed treatment are worsening cases.
Ophthalmologists advise patients to avoid sharing towels, cosmetics, or mobile phones — common sources of contagion. Many are also recommending protective eyewear, frequent handwashing, and use of prescribed antibiotic drops rather than home remedies.
In urban centers, pollution is a major aggravator. AQI levels crossing 300 in northern cities have worsened symptoms, with eye irritation now considered a secondary effect of smog exposure.
The Ministry of Health has urged citizens to seek prompt care and avoid crowding in clinics. With social media full of home-cure videos and misinformation, the need for medically verified content has never been higher.
As one doctor put it: “Pink Eye is seasonal — but prevention is perennial.”
